I have been using the internet for last four years and everything worked fine. However, until four months ago, I couldn't defend from all sorts of viruses, spywares and adwares. I reinstalled Windows several times but it did not help me for a long. After a day or two on the Internet, I have the same problems again. My Outlook 2000 is also having problem with embedding a picture in emails. Are there any better combination than IE and Outlook?
Of course there are other browsers beside the Internet Explorer. Some of the most popular are Netscape navigator, Mozila Firefox and Opera. Many users also claims that they are so much better and safer then the Internet Explorer. I disagree with them. I am also on the Internet almost 12 hours per day, I am using Internet Explorer and I don't have any problems. By my experience, you need some anti-spyware software like SpyBot, which is completely free. Second thing you need is some good anti-virus software which is also free. I personally use AVG and I am completely satisfied. If you have Microsoft Windows XP, you also have to check do you have Service Pack 2 installed. If don't then download and install it. All those things will not slow your machine much but will give you enough protection.